Kelsie Jutz

CIS 110-003
Ana de La Serna
10 November 2014
Nicaragua Speech Outline

Introduction:
I.

II.

III.

Christmas in Nicaragua is the biggest and most widespread holiday in the country. It
begins officially on the 6th of December and lasts until December 24th. While most
countries celebrate Christmas on the 24th and the 25th, December 25th is just a normal
day in Nicaragua.
I am going to give information about how the holiday is celebrated cross culturally and
the differences and similarities about how it is celebrated between American customs and
Nicaraguan customs.
The three main points I am going to make are that the timing is different, the traditional
customs like Christmas carols and food are different and lastly that the significance of the
holiday to those who celebrate.

Thesis:
Christmas is the most widely celebrated holiday in Nicaragua and compared to the United
States, the traditions and customs surrounding the holiday are very similar in the significance of
the holiday, but differ in how these customs and traditions are celebrated.

Body:
Point 1: In Nicaragua, Christmas is celebrated starting on December 6th and lasts until
December 24th.
1. 6th- La Purisima - Christmas carols about the Virgin Mary and her conception
2. 16th-24th - Evening prayer in front of individuals houses; El Nacimiento scenes
3. Midnight on 24th- Papa Noel comes and children open up presents and eat Blue
Fields soup

Point 2: To Nicaraguans, Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and how he came to be the
Savior.
1.

During La Purisima the children go house to house and sing hymns about the
Virgin Mary. For these such performances the children receive sweet treats to
eat and to also take back to their families.

2.

3.

For 9 days straight, prayer is held every evening and Christmas mass on
December 24th is the most awaited time during the season. In America, most
people celebrate the birth but the gifts and commercialization are what are more
apparent.
Most Nicaraguans set up El Nacimiento or The Nativity scenes and wait until
the 24th to set out the baby Jesus figurine to signify the birth of baby Jesus.

Point 3: Although Nicaraguans have a more religious approach to the holiday, the customs
between the two cultures are very similar.
1.
Both cultures sing hymns/carols.
2.
Both cultures make lots of food (while its tamal and paella and baked bread in
Nicaragua and turkey and chicken and lots of sides).
3.
Both cultures are filled with fun, food and feasts.

Conclusion:
All in all, the Nicaraguan culture has its own traditions and unique customs that are
mixed along with Western ideologies to create a unique and fantastic Nicaraguan Christmas
experience!